Carolina<, Puerto Rico - U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) San Juan Area Port announced Thursday that Fixed Base Operator (FBO) Airport Aviation Services (AAS) opened a new general aviation processing facility at the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU).
The new state-of-the art General Aviation Facility (GAF) was built in full compliance and adherence to CBP standards and guidelines to provide inspection of international flights and travelers, and would be at no cost to CBP. Along with the GAF, AAS also inaugurated a modern hangar to complement its 79,000 square foot ramp with parking for 16 aircraft.
AAS, is the first FBO to operate at the Luis Muñoz Marín Airport, beginning operations in November 1972, providing services to commercial airlines, corporate aviation companies and private flights.
“CBP welcomes the opportunity to work with private sector with the goal of improving the traveler experience upon arrival into the United States, therefore increasing tourism and fostering economic growth while ensuring the highest level of security.,” indicated Edwin Cruz, San Juan Area Port Director.
“For more than 6 decades AAS provided preventive maintenance to aircraft, avionics repairs, flight dispatch and planning, sale and coordination of fuel, aircraft inspection and a range of full terrestrial support services with certified local suppliers,” indicated Dr. José A. Santana, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer for AAS parent company Management Group Investors (MGI),
“We are excited to be part of this effort that allows more investors to come and do business in the Island and receive excellent services,” stated Manuel Laboy, Secretary for Economic Development and Commerce of Puerto Rico. “We will continue to support and promote the growth of local businesses demonstrating that Puerto Rico is open to doing business."
"The Ports Authority congratulates Airport Aviation Services, a distinctly Puerto Rican company, for the inauguration of these new facilities,” indicated Anthony Maceira, Director of the Puerto Rico Port Authority. “The execution of projects like this one helps to place the Luis Muñoz Marín as a world caliber international airport, with a net result of economic activity and jobs for the island."
Working in full partnership with private industry and local government stakeholders, CBP has demonstrated its commitment to facilitating economic growth while reducing wait times for international travelers. We are committed to establishing the metrics and processes necessary to support ongoing improvement.
CBP’s mission is to facilitate travel while maintaining the highest standards of security for those who live here and for those who come to visit. On a typical day last year, CBP officers processed more than 1 million travelers arriving airports, seaports or border crossings
